Maternity Allowance Eligibility, Rates and How to Claim
Maternity Allowance is a benefit you may be able to claim if you’re pregnant or have recently had a baby and you do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). It’s usually claimed by people who are self-employed, recently stopped working, or employed but not eligible for SMP. You can receive Maternity Allowance for up to 39 weeks.
What is Maternity Allowance?
Maternity Allowance is a regular payment from the government to help support you while you take time off to have a baby. You might be eligible if you:
- are employed but cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
- are self-employed
- have recently stopped working
- do unpaid work for your spouse or civil partner’s business
You can apply for Maternity Allowance once you’ve been pregnant for 26 weeks. Payments can start any time from the 11th week before your baby is due up to the day after the baby is born.
Who can claim Maternity Allowance?
You can usually get Maternity Allowance for up to 39 weeks if you’ve been either:
- registered as self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby’s due, or
- employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby’s due
If you’ve been employed, you must have been earning (or classed as earning) at least £30 a week in at least 13 weeks during that 66-week period. The 13 weeks do not have to be in a row.
If you do unpaid work for your spouse or civil partner’s business
You might get Maternity Allowance for up to 14 weeks if, for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby is due, you:
- do unpaid work for your spouse or civil partner’s business, and
- are not employed or self-employed
Your spouse or civil partner must be registered as self-employed and pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions.
How much is Maternity Allowance in 2026?
The amount you get depends on your employment and earnings history.
Current standard rate (2025/26)
The current maximum standard rate shown on GOV.UK is £187.18 per week (paid for up to 39 weeks, depending on eligibility).
From 6 April 2026 (2026/27 tax year)
The DWP’s published proposed benefit rates show the Maternity Allowance standard rate increasing to £194.32 per week from the 2026/27 tax year.
Note: Your actual weekly payment can be lower than the maximum rate depending on your average weekly earnings. Use the official eligibility tools linked below if you want to estimate your entitlement.
When does Maternity Allowance start?
Payments can start any time between:
- the 11th week before your baby is due, and
- the day after your baby is born
You can apply once you’ve been pregnant for 26 weeks.
How long is Maternity Allowance paid for?
Maternity Allowance can be paid for up to 39 weeks (or up to 14 weeks if you qualify under the unpaid work for a partner’s business route).
How to apply for Maternity Allowance
To claim, you’ll need to complete the Maternity Allowance (MA1) claim form. You can print it and fill it in, or fill it in online and print it. If you cannot print it, you can order a form.
- What you’ll need to send
- Proof of income (original payslips)
- Proof of your due date (MATB1 certificate or a letter from your doctor/midwife)
- If the baby has already been born, proof of birth (for example a birth certificate or an updated letter/MATB1 where applicable)
- If your employer refused SMP, your SMP1 form
You send your claim to the address shown on the form.
When you’ll hear back
GOV.UK says you should get a decision on your claim within 20 working days.
Maternity Allowance vs Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
If you qualify for SMP, it’s usually paid by your employer for up to 39 weeks:
- First 6 weeks: 90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax)
- Next 33 weeks: £187.18 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower)
SMP is paid like wages (for example monthly), and tax and National Insurance are deducted.
If your employer says you cannot get SMP, they should provide an SMP1 form explaining why — you may then be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead.
Helpful links
FAQs
Can I claim Maternity Allowance if I’ve recently stopped working?
Yes — you may still qualify as long as you meet the work and earnings conditions within the 66-week test period.
When is the earliest I can apply?
You can apply once you’ve been pregnant for 26 weeks.
How do I choose my start date?
Your payments can start any time from the 11th week before your due date up to the day after the baby is born.